The Dodge Charger, is a Rear-wheel driveFull-sizeAutomobile built by Chrysler LLC for its North American Dodge brand. The Charger name is a historic one, borne by many other Dodge Charger models in the past. Introduced in February 2005 for the 2006 model year, this new Charger shares the LX platform of the Chrysler 300 and the now discontinued Dodge Magnum, which borrows component parts from the Mercedes E-Class platform[1]; in fact, the interior of the Charger is almost identical to that of the Magnum. It replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's Full-size sedan. This Charger is a four-door Sedan (car), disappointing many fans of the previous two-door Chargers. It is built at Brampton Assembly in Canada.

In October 2007, a new B-Body Charger based on the 1970 models was shown in a Mopar magazine.[citation needed]

Contents

History

In 1999, Dodge came out with a new Charger R/T concept car. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers, particularly the second generation. Since this design had four doors, the designers blended the rear doors into the design so they would not be noticed very easily. Compressed natural gas was proposed as being in the lineup for a possible fuel source. [2]

The concept Charger R/T, while sharing the long nose and rearward cab of the original, was a lot shorter. It was 187 inches (4,700 mm) in overall length compared to 203 inches (5,200 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also 650 lb (290 kg) lighter.

Engines

The Charger SE and SXT are equipped with Chrysler's 3.5 L V6 and sells at a starting price of United States dollar22,995. The 3.5 L V6 produces 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) of torque. In Canada, the base model Charger has a 2.7 L V6, which produces 190 hp (142 kW) and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque. In 2006, the 2.7 L V6 was also available in the US for fleet sales only. For 2007, the SE package could be had with the 2.7 L engine for all buyers.

All models including the SRT-8 and the SuperBee come standard with ESP or Electronic Stability Programing. ESP specifically redirects power from the rear tires during any increased tire spin either on dry or wet surface's causing the vehicle to regain traction before a spinout can occur. When the ESP is activated a driver will notice a sluggish or chugging response in the throttle control of the vehicle no matter how much the throttle pedal is pressed

Safety

The IIHS gives the Charger an overall Good score in frontal crash tests.[3] In side impacts Charger models equipped with optional side airbags are given a Marginal score overall, and models without side airbags are given the lowest overall Poor score.[4][5]

Both the SXT and R/T models are also available as AWD (All Wheel Drive) starting in 2007.

Daytona R/T

2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T

Color

Year

Units

Go ManGo!

2006

4000 (US), 200 (CDN)

Top Banana

4000 (US), 250 (CDN)

TorRed

2000 (US), 250 (CDN)

Sublime

2007

1500 (US), 150 (CDN)

Plum Crazy

1400 (US), 120 (CDN)

Hemi Orange

2008

1650 (US), 100 (CDN)

Stone White

2009

400 (US), Unknown (CDN)

The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It features a high output 350 hp (261 kW) version of the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi as well as an updated suspension and tires. Visual additions include a special front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler. In a retro touch, the Daytona R/T features black "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fender and retro high impact colors. In 2007, larger 20" chrome-clad wheels were introduced.

An SRT-8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 425 hp (317 kW) version of the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, and interior and exterior updates. The engine produces 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque. The 425 net horsepower of the modern 6.1 L Hemi makes it even more powerful than the legendary Hemi engines of the Muscle car era, the biggest of which was rated at 425 gross horsepower. This makes the 6.1 L Hemi engine the most powerful V8 engine that Chrysler has ever put in a production vehicle.

Super Bee

2007 Dodge Charger Super Bee #711

2007 Dodge Charger Super Bee #711

2007 Dodge Charger Super Bee #711

Dodge Charger Super Bee

A new Super Bee version of the Charger debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model year. It shares the SRT-8's 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi engine but comes in special "Detonator Yellow" paint with black decals. It is a limited edition with only 1000 being produced. A B5 Blue version of the Super Bee was shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and will go on sale in early 2008, also with a limited run of 1000.

DUB Edition

Created with DUB Magazine, it is based on the Charger SXT. It includes a body-colour spoiler and fog lamps, 20-inch alloys wrapped around with 245/45R20 tires, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 13-speaker KICKER surround-sound system and a 322W KICKER amplifier. It comes in red, black, silver, vanilla, Dark Titanium colours.[9]

2,180 Dodge Charger DUB Edition were produced for US market for $30,235.[10]

NASCAR

Although NASCARStock car bear only a slight resemblance to actual street cars, Dodge's 2005 and 2006 NASCAR entries were based on the Dodge Charger, replacing the previous Dodge Intrepid. Unlike the Intrepid, the Charger shares Rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine with its NASCAR counterpart. During the 2007 NASCAR season the Dodge Charger was used in all non Car of Tomorrow races and the Dodge Avenger was used in all Car of Tomorrow races. The Car of Tomorrow will be used exclusively in 2008. However, the Dodge Avenger Car of Tomorrow will be redesignated as a Dodge Charger R/T through the use of different decals.

Police Package Version

In early 2006, DaimlerChrysler released a new Police car of the Dodge Charger. It made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.

Unlike the civilian version, the police version features upgraded heavy-duty brakes, a severe-duty cooling system, police-performance Electronic Stability Control, police performance-tuned steering, and a gear shifter that is mounted on the steering column instead of in the center console.[11] In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with a steel plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment, computers, and controllers for lights and sirens. The vehicle's electrical system is specifically designed for integration of siren and light controls, and other police vehicle accessories.

The 340 hp (254 kW) Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.4 seconds and to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h). By comparison, the 1972 AMC Matador, with its 401 in³ V8, could accelerate from rest to 60 mph (97 km/h) in seven seconds, and took 43 seconds to reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). In Michigan State Police and California Highway Patrol testing, the Charger V8 easily outperformed all other pursuit vehicles in acceleration, cornering, and braking (except the Dodge Magnum, which stopped slightly faster in some tests). It does however appear to be priced somewhat higher than the Ford Police Interceptor.

Chargers are in use with several police agencies as both marked and unmarked patrol cars. Law enforcement agencies outside of the United States of America have also purchased the Charger, including police services in Canada, Mexico, Chile and the Middle East (specifically Bahrain[12] , Kuwait, and Lebanon.) Both V6 and V8 models are being adopted, with highway patrols favoring the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 engine and cities more likely to purchase the base police package with the 3.5 L V6 fuel-efficient engine. The New York City Police Department has purchased Chargers for use by precinct and New York City Police Department Highway Patrol officers, and the Nassau County Police Department has purchased Chargers for use by members of its Highway Patrol division. The New York State Police and New York State Court Officers also use the Charger for patrol. The Los Angeles Police Department is also starting to deploy several 2008 Chargers in the field on a testing basis, with an eye on replacing their aging fleet of Ford Police Interceptor, the Iowa State Patrol recently began the purchase of the Charger Police package to replace their aging fleet of Ford Crown Victoria models. The Charger is also in use within Military Police services, including the United States Marines, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service

In 2009, the V6 Charger police car comes with 3.5L V6 with 5-speed Automatic transmission. The rear is slightly updated, moving the "CHARGER" badge to the right, and replacing the left with the badge reading "DODGE." V8 version uses the Charger Daytona R/T engine, rated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 ft·lbf (536 N·m). of torque.

2010 Model

The Auburn Hills automaker's plan to launch a redesigned version of Dodge Charger in 2010. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli state:
"In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ... a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances"

Launching in 2010, the new 300 and Charger will probably be sold under the model year 2011. As of yet, it is unclear if this redesign will embrace a resurgence of front Bench seating (6-passenger seating) in full-size cars since Carpool is becoming increasingly common.